Anna O'Keefe, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This is a photograph of Anna O'Keefe, from the Actors and Actresses series, printed between 1885 and 1891 by Allen & Ginter. It seems quite small, almost like a playing card. What's striking to me is how staged it feels, especially knowing it was used in cigarette packaging. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, seeing it within the context of cigarette packaging is key. These cards weren't just innocent portraits; they were instruments of consumer culture. Consider how the image of Anna O’Keefe, likely a popular actress of the time, was being used to sell a product – tobacco. Editor: That’s interesting! So, it's not just about art; it's about commerce and celebrity? Curator: Exactly. It's a commentary on the emerging role of celebrities in advertising and the power of visual media to shape public desires. Allen & Ginter weren't just selling cigarettes, they were selling a lifestyle, associating it with beauty, success, and fame. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It makes me wonder, what did it mean to be a female "actress" represented in this medium at that time? Curator: The image would have helped the brand create a cultural and aspirational narrative around their cigarettes, even at the cost of the subject herself. Did she consent to its commercial exploitation? What payment did she receive, and was it fair? How complicit were these actresses and actors in propagating these norms? These are vital questions when analysing this imagery. Editor: It's eye-opening to see how this seemingly simple portrait is intertwined with complex socio-cultural forces. Curator: Absolutely, examining art within its historical context allows us to unpack the power dynamics at play, giving insight into consumer culture and media of the period. Editor: I'll never look at old ads the same way again. Thanks!